Post-Operative Rehabilitation Guidelines for ACL Reconstruction with Meniscal Repair (All Inside)
0-2 Weeks:
- TWB (Toe-Touch Weight Bearing), Brace locked at 0 degrees for ambulation and sleeping
- ROM: 0-90º with emphasis on full extension
- Patella mobilization
- SLR supine with brace locked at 0 degrees, Quad Sets Ankle Pumps
- Short crank (90mm) ergometry
2-6 Weeks:
- Begin WBAT (Wt Bearing as Tolerated). Unlock Brace for Weight Bearing
- No weight bearing past 90° for ACL with meniscal repair
- D/C crutches when gait is non-antalgic (two weeks with meniscal repair)
- ROM: 0-125 degrees (Maintain full extension)
- Active knee extension to 40 degrees
- Standard (170mm) ergometry (when knee ROM > 115 degrees)
- Leg Press (80-0 degree arc)
- Mini Squats / Weight Shifts
- Proprioception training
- Initiate Step Up program
- Avoid Tibial Rotation until 6 weeks
6-14 Weeks:
- D/C Brace and wean from crutches Progressive Squat program
- Initiate Step Down program
- Leg Press, Lunges
- Isotonic Knee Extensions (90-40 degrees, closed chain preferred)
- Agility exercises (sport cord)
- Versaclimber/Nordic Track
- Retrograde treadmill ambulation
14-22 weeks:
- Begin forward running (treadmill) program when 8” step down satisfactory
- Continue Strengthening & Flexibility program
- Advance Sports-Specific Agility Drills
- Start Plyometric program
22 weeks:
- Advance Plyometric program, Return to Sport (MD Directed)
- **May require Functional Sports Assessment (FSA) 5-6 months post op for clearance to return to sport
*Please note: The instructions for rehabilitation protocols are general guidelines to be followed; however, any written or verbal instructions provided by Dr. Allen or his staff should supersede the instructions above and should be followed. If you have questions regarding your rehabilitation protocol, please contact a member of our team.
